So you're planning to move overseas?

Where do you begin?

Moving overseas is one of the most rewarding things you can do. Whether you're moving for financial gain or simply looking for a different lifestyle, living abroad offers a whole new world of experiences.

Creating a new life overseas is a monumental task so thorough research and planning is at the heart of any successful move. With that in mind we've put together a handy checklist based on what our expat customers have told us about their move overseas, to help you decide which country is right for you.

Entry requirements

Some countries have a set list of entry requirements. These requirements can range from qualifications, visas, departure tax and even specific vaccinations. To find out the entry requirements for a specific country you can either contact the embassy for that country, or looks at the entry requirements by country on the UK governments' website - https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

Cultural differences

Every country has a history, heritage and culture which identifies them and sets them apart from the rest of the world. It’s incredibly important to recognise and respect these cultural differences. These are some of the most important:

Language

Knowing the local language clearly removes one of the biggest barriers between people across the world. Even learning the niceties will be useful and appreciated by the locals. You must also be aware of regional dialects and colloquialisms.

Religious rules

A country’s religion is integral to its identity and there may be some general rules which apply to everyone, regardless of your own religious background.

Tipping

The rules about tipping vary hugely from country to country, but the information is very easy to find on the internet.

Cost of living

As with employment, the cost of living will fluctuate from region to region and from social class to social class. Make certain your move fits your budget.

As a citizen in a new country, you will be expected to contribute to the upkeep of that country. This is done via taxation and you must be aware of the different tax brackets operating within your destination country.

Education

In many countries, there are different school systems and higher education systems available; some are free and some cost. Many regions within a country also have ‘catchment areas’, meaning you must live within a certain distance from a school to be considered as a student.

Your chosen region within your chosen country will have a Local Government System to help you research this.

Transportation

It's important to think about how you will get around your destination country. What side of the road do they drive on? What public transport systems are in place and serve your area? How much might public transport cost per annum? Your chosen region within your chosen country will have a Local Government System to help you research this.

Food and Drink

Most countries will have a national dish and local food sources may vary greatly from region to region.

Allergies can cause health issues, so you should be careful when trying the different ingredients.

There may be restrictions connected to buying and drinking alcohol, as well as buying and eating certain foods.

Weather

This can often come as a shock to people when moving from a very warm country to a very cold country and vice versa. The importance of weather is certainly underestimated, but it affects clothing, transport, work patterns and, quite often, your own mood.